@Rick: ditto... I would like to learn more on the new generation of open EDA tools. I have seen some blurbs about gEDA and KiCAD in the past but I seriously doubt if these tools have found any success in commercial projects.

Hi Javi! This is a great topic for several columns. However I wonder if you also plan on publishing these columns in nontechnical journals for the masses. I often lament the loss/reduction of great research facilities here in the US. Bell Labs, Exxon Research, DuPont Experimental Station, Kodak Park, etc, etc. We need to get average people to understand the enormous benefits to basic research and support the funding of it even in these challenging economic times.

Hi Javi -- you are very lucky to have been able to visit CERN and work with the folks there for a week - -I wish I could have come with you -- you will have to tell us all your tales when we meet up next year at Design West 2014